It is one of the many architectural jewels that the city has. The Pedralbes monastery, in Gothic style, was ordered to be built in the 14th century by an Aragonese queen. Today it preserves its grandeur and architectural beauty intact. The next time you visit Barcelona, be sure to stop by to get to know it. It will like you.
One of the most interesting elements of the Pedralbes monastery are its cloisters and its beautiful gardens. Spend a good time touring them and admiring their rich architecture.
Wonderful cloisters
It was Queen Elisenda de Moncada , fourth wife of King Jaume II, who founded this monastery in 1326, with the aim of housing the nuns of the Order of Santa Clara. When Queen Elisenda became a widow, she decided to retire to the monastery that had been recently built. Thus, thanks to their help and generosity, the monastery prospered considerably.
When you visit the Pedralbes monastery, remember to do it in the morning, as it is closed in the afternoons. One of the most interesting things is the cloisters, the central point of the monastery. They consist of three floors of galleries supported by elegant stone columns. In one of the corners of the central garden there is a well in the Plateresque style (from the year 1500, approximately).
A monastery full of treasures
Going through the cloisters, you will arrive at the Sant Miguel chapel , whose walls keep spectacular frescoes made in 1340 by the artist Ferrer Basa, a disciple of the great Giotto di Bondoni. Then you will discover prayer cells that also date back to the 14th century. Particularly noteworthy is the cell of La Piedad , located on the ground floor, where a 16th century altarpiece is preserved that portrays the Virgin as a child.
Once you’ve visited the monastery, take a moment to visit the church . It is very simple, but the remains of Queen Elisenda, who died in 1364, rest in an alabaster tomb.